Description
This Rustic Italian Crusty Bread is perfect for beginners, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. With a crunchy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior, this homemade artisan-style bread is perfect for soups, sandwiches, or enjoying on its own. The best part? It comes together in just a few hours with no need for special equipment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir to distribute evenly. Gradually add warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size and looks bubbly.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to heat up for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly flour a clean surface and gently turn out the dough without deflating it too much.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a round or oval shape. Place it on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer. If desired, let it rest for 15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully place the parchment paper and dough inside the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
- Cool Before Slicing: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in dried herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese before the first rise.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake on a preheated baking stone or baking sheet with a tray of hot water on the lower rack.
- Avoid cutting the bread while hot, as it will continue to set as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg